Renewables Operations Center (ROC) Operator

Duke Energy Corporation•Charlotte, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Renewables Operations Center (ROC) is a 24/7/365 control room that manages and monitors Duke Energy’s hydro, solar, and battery storage assets to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. This role involves real-time decision-making to balance energy demands and water resource management while adhering to regulatory requirements. The ROC Operator is expected to own their development and seek information that will assist in their job-related duties. Within the first year, the ROC Operator is expected to have completed all Level 2 JPMs AND successfully passed their ROC Board Evaluation qualifying them to take independent instruction from the Energy Control Center (ECC).

Requirements

Ability to obtain unescorted NERC access.
Either a two-year technical degree and 2 years work experience; OR 4 years generation facility experience without a degree
Proven competency in ROC computer applications
Completed all Level2 JPMs AND successfully pass the RROC Board Evaluation within the first 12 months.
Associate degree and 2 years of work experience.
In lieu of degree 4 years of operational/generation station experience

Nice To Haves

Proficient with computer systems and using many software applications.
Analytical skills, ability to quickly learn varied operational parameters at multiple plants.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with impact-possessing excellent negotiating skills.
Excellent team building and problem-solving skills.
Excellent public speaking and presentation delivery.
Ability to quickly assess the situation, analyze the data and react to rapidly changing conditions.
Demonstrated knowledge of power system operations and Renewable Energy Technologies (Hydroelectric, Solar, Storage, etc.)
Previous experience as a control room operator
Previous experience as a Hydro, Solar, or BESS Technician

Responsibilities

Dispatch and operate hydro generation, solar generation, and battery storage assets to meet energy demand
Constantly monitor operational screens on all ROC fleet assets
Work with site technicians to mitigate site alarms and workarounds
Manage site safety and security elements of assets in alignment with established procedures and regulations
Adjust unit controls and excitation based on unit response, system limitation, and generator voltage limits/schedule
Make operational decisions that ensure the safety of Duke Energy facilities and the public
Ensure accurate COA entries noting available generation for ECC dispatch and FSO modeling
Maintain accurate Plant View operations logs
Manage reservoirs as part of an integrated system, including periods of high inflows, which encompasses floodgate operations.
Dispatch Hydro generating units or manipulate spillways to move water through the system
Maintain FERC training and qualifications including participation in dam failure drills
Evaluate dam failure and dam non-failure conditions, then implement corresponding plans up to notification of EMAs for public warnings and evacuations
Under high water conditions, make notifications and coordinate with stakeholders
Negotiate outage and reserve requests
Communicate emerging unit limitations across relevant organizations
Utilize risk informed decision making based on the criticality of the asset and grid conditions
Maintain accuracy of publicly available information as required
Curtail surplus Solar generation at the request of the ECC as a method of assuring grid reliability
Adjust storage asset (battery) operational modes and/or scheduling charge/discharge cycles as required by procedure or ECC request.
Utilize proficiency to serve as a non-shift resource for equipment, operations, and compliance questions
Provide on-the-job training